The Seattle Mariners went deep early and often against the Padres on Tuesday, slugging six home runs in an 11-4 rout.
Kyle Seager got the long ball parade started with a three-run homer off Padres starter Ian Kennedy, who allowed five runs on eight hits and didn’t get through the fifth inning.
“I think the problem was too many balls in the middle (of the plate) and not getting enough on the corners,” Bud Black said of the team’s pitching woes.
The Padres (17-17) had chances, but left the bases loaded twice. Yangervis Solarte had a two-run single in the seventh to pull them within four runs. But the M’s (15-17) were right back at it with two more homers in the bottom of the inning.
Nelson Cruz hit his MLB-leading 15th home run in the eighth. James Paxton pitched six scoreless innings for the win. Mike Zuzino added a pair of long balls for the hosts.
The teams play again Wednesday night at Safeco Field before the Padres head home to host the Washington Nationals this weekend.
